GB798859A - Protecting liquids in storage from deterioration by contact with air - Google Patents

Abstract

798,859. Portable containers; emptying tanks. CLARK & CO., Ltd., T. & C. Oct. 20, 1955 [Oct. 20, 1954], No. 30172/54. Classes 66 and 21. [Also in Group XXIX] To prevent beer 6, Fig. 2, or other beverages containing alcohol from contacting the air that is admitted into a container therefor when some of the contents are drawn off, the container is provided with a float 5 substantially covering the liquid surface and projecting appreciably above said surface, the clearance space between the float and the container serving as a space for carbon dioxide gas. The carbon dioxide may be produced by the liquid itself or a small quantity of the gas may be supplied to the container via a suitable valve. The carbon dioxide, being heavier than air, accumulates in the narrow clearance gap between the float 5 and the container 4 to protect the liquid 6 from the air above it. The float has a concave under surface 17 and the upper surface 18 may be convex (as shown) or concave, the cover 19 of the vessel being domed outwardly or inwardly to match the upper surface of the float. When the upper surface is convex as shown, a hollow 22 is formed in the float below a venting device 21 to prevent disturbances of the gas blanket by the entering air. In both constructions of the flats a central pipe 23 joins the upper and under surfaces for the return of any liquid collecting in the hollow portion of the upper face. The base 24 of the vessel slopes slightly to one side. Projecting upwardly into the vessel from the lowest point in the base is a stand-pipe 25 shown in greater detail in Fig. 3. The pipe 25 is connected to a draw-off cock 26. The upper end of the stand-pipe 25 is closed but a large number of small holes 27 are formed in the pipe near its upper end. The stand-pipes 25 passes out of the vessel through a gland 28 and a threaded sleeve 29 rotatable about a pipe 25 but anchored to it against relative axial movement. The sleeve 29 is rotatable by a hand wheel 30 and engages a tapped bush 31 supported by a bracket 32. The pipe 25 can be raised or lowered by appropriate rotation of the hand wheel 30 affording limited adjustment of the height of the standpipe. Normally the stand-pipe is kept at its highest point but when the liquid level is low the stand pipe can be lowered to draw off more liquid. For cleaning out the vessel the whole stand-pipe assembly is removed. The container may be a casting of any suitable metal or it may be built up by welding. It may be lined with suitable materials for the product to be stored or it may be of stainless steel. The float is preferably made of sheet metal which may be stainless steel or some other ferrous or a non- ferrous metal protected by a plastic or other coating.